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This is a fantastic opportunity to climb Mount Kenya on a totally new route along with a team of experienced and fully-trained guides and porters. It takes five days to get to the top and it will be five days you will never forget!

Itinerary

Day 1 - Timau Gate to Marania Camp

Meals: L D

SYour tour starts in the small town of Nanyuki and from here you'll be driven to the Timau Gate, which is about an hour away.Your trek begins as soon as you pass through the Timau Gate and set off for the heights of Mount Kenya. You will start off by walking through the beautiful moorlands characterised by patches of bamboo and heather and other locally endemic flora. You will enjoy lunch on the rim of a crater from which you'll likely see some mountain species such as the mountain eland, zebra and even the occasional elephant - all of which are endemic to this area.Later in the afternoon you will arrive at the camp where you can enjoy some splendid panoramic views of this northern Kenya as you relax after your exertions.

Accommodation: Marania Camp

Day 2 - Marania Camp to Majors Camp

Meals: B L D

It's an early after-breakfast start today, as you continue to trek through the moorlands and continue your ascent through the foothills. As you walk, the peaks of the Mount Kenya massif should be visible ahead, giving you something to focus on. All around there are spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, which is lush and green.You will enjoy a quick lunch besides the Marania Stream before continuing through rolling foothills, which some say resemble the highlands of Scotland. In the afternoon you'll arrive at Major's Camp in time for dinner and your overnight stay.

Accommodation: Majors Camp

Day 3 - Majors Camp to Simba Tarn

Meals: B L D

This morning, after a restful night's sleep, we will start the long hike towards the lower Simba Tarn (4600m), meaning that we'll be passing out of the moorland zone and into the alpine. This part of the journey is a unique experience through a fascinating lunar landscape populated with very distinctive and beautiful vegetation and a proliferation of birdlife.Lunch will be enjoyed at the head of the Hobley Valley amidst some of the most bizarre flora on the mountain - the giant lobelias. Later you will arrive at the lower Simba Tarn Camp, where breathtaking views of the Gorges valley and surrounding peaks can be gazed out upon over a cup of tea.

Accommodation: Simba Tarn Camp

Day 4 - Simba Tarn to Lenana and down to the Met Station

Meals: B L D

It's a very early start to prepare ourselves for the two and a half hour walk to the summit (4985m) where we will watch the sun rise over Africa. Once again breathtaking views of the lofty peaks are on full display as the valleys below are slowly illuminated by the sun’s rays. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea or hot chocolate and reflect on your achievement as you sit atop Mount Kenya and take in the awe-inspiring scenery.Afterwards we will descend to the camp for a full and hearty breakfast and then continue on down the southern side of the mountain to camp at the Met Station in the forest at approximately 3000m.

Accommodation: Met Station

Day 5 - Met station to Naro Moru Gate

Meals: B L

This morning after breakfast it's an easy two hour walk down through the forest to Naro Moru where we are picked up by your vehicle and taken to camp. This marks the end of the journey and you will be transferred back to the start point at Nanyuki, from where onward transport can be arranged to Nairobi or other destinations.

Additional information

Prices based on 4 people trekking

Included

Guide and porter fees

All meals

Professional and qualified English speaking guide (qualifications as per the MDT and UIAA requirements)

Tour starts/ends:

Starts: In Nanyuki Town (we can easily arrange transport from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport)

Ends: In Nanyuki Town (we can easily arrange transport back to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport)

Note: we can also pick you up or drop you off at the hotel of your choice in the greater Nairobi area if you notify us in advance.

Expected group size:

The price is based on 4 people climbing

Type of vehicles used:

For transfers to and from the airport and long distance trips reliable and modern minibuses are used. Please note that we cannot guarantee air conditioning.

Food and drink:

The food prepared at the camps and/or hotels on this tour will be of an international nature and suited to a broad range of visitors. If you have any specific dietary requirements please let us know in advance so that we can inform the lodges and hotels along the route. Alcoholic drinks, unless specifically mentioned in the itinerary, are not included in the price.

Baggage and what to bring:

Important note: If your itinerary includes a leg of the journey on a light aircraft then please be advised that the maximum TOTAL weight allowance including hand luggage is 15kg (approx 33lbs) and all luggage must be in a soft bag i.e. NOT a suitcase. (This tour does not feature any light aircraft journeys).

We recommend that you do not forget to pack the following when undertaking a climb of Mount Kenya:

- Multiple layers of clothing that you can take on/off depending on the ambient temperature. It can get cold and hot on this trip.

- Camera and binoculars

- A torch (flashlight)

- A waterproof/dustproof bag

- Good hiking boots that are worn-in

- A fleece/woolly hat

- Shell clothing (inner) to keep out the wind

- Sleeping bag

Note: This is a trek and NOT a technical climb. No specialist climbing knowledge or equipment is required.

What to wear:

Although Kenya lies in the tropics it can get chilly in the evenings and early mornings. On this trip we recommend that you include the following in your baggage:

- A pair of sturdy lightweight shoes or boots

- Light coloured clothing with long sleeves and legs for the evenings and early mornings

- A hat to keep the strong sun off your head

Level of ability required:

Although there will be no special strength and fitness requirements, please note that safari lodges situated in remote areas are by their very nature lacking in many of the modern conveniences found in cities. For this reason please be prepared for uneven floors and sometimes challenging access.

You must be able-bodied and have the ability to move independently without help on this tour.

Health and vaccinations:

You should speak to your health provider about what vaccinations you will need for your trip to Kenya. In addition, most doctors recommend using anti malarial pills for your visit and taking measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitos, such as covering up exposed arms and legs. Lodges will provide mosquito nets over the beds.

If you take any medication, be sure to bring it with you, as well as details of your prescription.

We advise all travellers to take out comprehensive travel insurance before their trip.

While you are away:

If you are away on holiday with Albatros Travel in Kenya and someone needs to get in touch with you urgently, they can call our emergency number, which is +254 722 521686

Bringing Electronic Equipment:

If you are bringing electronic equipment to Kenya, such as a digital camera, laptop computer, smartphone etc. and need to plug it into a wall socket then you should consider buying a voltage surge protector. Voltage in Kenya is set to 220v. Most (modern) electronic equipment can switch automatically to this voltage, but it is best to check the label on the power supply. Most lodges provide electrical power by way of a generator, so to protect your equipment against voltage surges it is advisable to but a voltage surge protector. Plugs in Kenya are of the British 3 pin variety, so if you are coming from outside of the UK you will need to buy some adapters, which are readily available at airport stores.

Phones and Connectivity:

If you are planning on bringing your mobile phone and/or wifi enabled laptop to Kenya you should bear the following in mind. Kenya's phone system supports 3G, and this is how most telecommunications are managed. Furthermore, many safari lodges and hotels offer wifi to their guests, and there are numerous other hotspots around the country. If you want to stay in touch during your stay in Kenya the best course of action is to buy a credit-loaded sim card for your phone/mobile device in Nairobi, and then connect to the internet and make phone calls via this.

Getting to and from Kenya:

Many carriers fly directly to Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and, to a lesser extent, Moi International Airport in Mombasa. If you arrive a day or two before the start of your tour, we can help you to arrange hotel accommodation and book excursions for you. Please note that the price of this tour does not include international airfares.

Tipping and Other Costs:

Tips are expected in Kenya by anyone who provides you with a service. This could range from porters and waiters to drivers and local people whose photo you would like to take. As a general rule, it is polite to provide driver/guides with about $10 per day if they give a good service. Tips should be in Kenyan Shillings, as staff will find it difficult to use foreign currency. Other than money for tips we advise you to bring extra money on your trip to buy drinks and handicrafts.

Insurance:

Please note that travel insurance is not included in the price of this tour. We suggest that you take out a comprehensive policy from a reputable provider. If you want the peace of mind of knowing that you have an air ambulance available during your trip you could consider taking out temporary membership of the Flying Doctors.

Visa requirements:

Depending on your nationality you will probably need a tourist visa to enter Kenya for this tour. The current cost of a single-entry tourist visa is USD 50 per person and these can be purchased on arrival, for most nationals, in all major currencies.